Category Archives: Old Journals and Books

A Murder Most Foul in 1741

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Susanna

The following images and descriptions of gruesomeness come from  published in 1795 Circumstantial Account of JAMES HALL, who was hanged in the Strand for the Murder of his Master. This malefactor, according to the account given by himself, was descended of honest parents, of Wells … Continue reading →

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Minding Your Manners in 1884: Leaving Calling Cards, Making Introductions, and Seating Your Dinner Guests

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Susanna

From “Letts’s Illustrated Household Magazine, A Complete Encyclopedia of Domestic Requirements” 1884, London. N the treatment of a subject, the operation of which pervades the whole system of social ethics, it is difficult, almost impossible, to prescribe a strict code of … Continue reading →

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Gothic Fun — A Short Story from 1894

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Susanna

I try to read in the evenings, because the words and cadence seep into my subconscious during the night and then help me write the next morning. Unfortunately, this evening I left my book downstairs after I had locked up … Continue reading →

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Valentine’s Day Edition: The Language of Flowers, How to Write a Victorian Love Letter, and Parasol Flirtations

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Susanna

Once again, I am excerpting from what is becoming my favorite book, The Mystery of Love, Courtship and Marriage Explained, 1890. Using my Photoshop skills, I merged a passage about the language of flowers with a floral graphic from Cassell’s Family Magazine, … Continue reading →

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The Mystery of Love, Courtship and Marriage Explained — Handkerchief and Fan Flirtations

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Susanna

Several days ago, I came across The Mystery of Love, Courtship and Marriage Explained by Henry J Wehman, published in 1890.  This hilarious book includes guides for “popping” the question and writing love letters, as well as how to “manage” a beau … Continue reading →

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